Day 2 - Reset Your Lens

My apologies for the delay in this second post, but I, like many of you have to make a conscious effort to make time to spend in the Word, and with God.  So,with that said we are about to set out on a 40 day adventure.  I look forward to our discussions, your comments, learning and most important making a stronger connection with God. 

Here we go.....

Day 2 - Verse John 3:3...."I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again"

Where did the term "born again" come from?  In John 3, Jesus is approached by a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus, a Pharisee.  Jesus tells him, "unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God".   Jesus explains that as a baby is born from it's mother's womb, so shall we as new Christians be born again, but not from our mother's womb, but through water and the Spirit. 

The purpose of today's discussion is not to get "hung up" on just the fact that we are born again, but that Jesus left us with so many different ways to change our lives now that we are "reborn".  We need to now focus on the many teachings of Jesus.  "By paying special attention to Jesus' life and ministry we can better learn how to grow in our spiritual walk with Him" (Moore, p.20).

Here are a few of Jesus' lessons from the book of Matthew, chapter 5;

Matthew 5:3  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:5  "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:6  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Matthew 5:7  "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
Matthew 5:8  "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

What or better yet How can we as Christians go out into our daily lives and live these lessons?  Can't we take a few moments out of our day and spend it with God by reading His word?  To be the hands and feet of Jesus we need to live by his lessons, feed the poor, take care of the widows, forgive, be kind.  We are not like those who do not know the Lord, we have now accepted the responsibilities of being a Christian, as it says in
Matthew 5:14-16  "You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

We are not meant to hide, we are meant to lead by example.  I believe that others will want what I have, a peace and good spirit, one that does not critisize or condemn others, one that sees the good in all things.  One of the most incredible parts of the journey I am on is when people say to me, "Are you always happy?", "Do you always see the good or positive side of circumstances?"  I try to.  Life is hard and people are hard, but I hope to show them a softer side.  We do not know what they are experiencing in their lives, and maybe we can be a light that they can turn to, even if they do not say anything.  Others watch us, they are waiting for us to fall, or falter... be careful because we are still human, and only Jesus is perfect.

What can you do today to show the world that you are a Christian?  What lesson can you take from Jesus, either one posted here or a different one from the Bible?  Be the LIGHT in someone's life today, expecting nothing in return, except to know that you were "Jesus like" to them.

What do you think?  Let me know.  I look forward to hearing from you!

God Bless you all, see you tomorrow.